Comments for Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime

Comment on Changing Providers Mid-Pregnancy by embee

embee — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:47:20 +0000

i almost switched at 32 wks with my 1st son. it was after the doctor told me i was so overweight that my fundal height didn’t matter, (was not that overweight) and that instead of my poached egg on whole wheat toast breakfast, i should have cereal with orange juice. (allergic to milk.)

i should have run in the other direction. instead i was scared to switch and ended up with a c-section.

don’t ever be scared to switch.

Comment on Post Cesarean Feelings Survey Results by Katie

Katie — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:35:18 +0000

Very interesting. I look forward to your analysis of the data and comments in future posts!

Comment on Baby Birth Weights Dropping by Baby Birth Weights Dropping – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | Get Pregnant

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:55:32 +0000

[...] reading here: Baby Birth Weights Dropping – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … Posted in MIXED | Tags: aspiring, aspiring-midwife, birth, birth-advocate, [...]

Comment on Baby Birth Weights Dropping by elwood

elwood — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:49:40 +0000

Certainly some do find it easier. As a mother who has had two, I do not find it easier by any means, especially when caring for older children.
But as long as women know the risk factors for choosing elective cesareans, the impact on their future pregnancies, and truly are making informed consent, then that is their choice.

Comment on Baby Birth Weights Dropping by Pierremarie

Pierremarie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:47:05 +0000

As for multiple cesarean births, some women just find it easier to just do that rather than go the natural way.

Comment on Become a Lamaze Trained Childbirth Educator by elwood

elwood — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:36:12 +0000

I am not sure of the lamaze exam cost because that is not included with the workshop, but I am sure you can find it on the lamaze website which is http://lamaze.org.

Comment on Become a Lamaze Trained Childbirth Educator by Crunchy Nurse

Crunchy Nurse — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:30:33 +0000

What is the cost of the exam?

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by elwood

elwood — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:05:42 +0000

Thank you for your comment Shannel, you have proved my point of the entire article. I know that you may not have read it, but the article you replied to was about promoting VBAC!

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by Shannel

Shannel — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:36:56 +0000

i just wanted tosay that the headline once a c-section always one…uhh uhh not true speaking from experience i a mother of four…i had thre c-sections one 2003 one in 2005 an one in 2006 my daughter today is 9 months an she was a vaginal natural birth…….
she was born May 26th 2009 an it took 15 min for her to come out..i am very grateful an very blessed just wanted to say that… I am in very good health an have not had an complications so far…there is a god i can tell u that..

Comment on Shelton Mother by Allison

Allison — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:05:05 +0000

Thank you for posting this; it is nice to see a concerned post. I too am tired of hearing about all the speculation. My brother (19) passed away a year and a half ago from a drug overdose. There were all kinds of hurtful posts on the net with him also and I just view it as so unnecessary. As fellow human beings, why can we not just mourn the loss with the family? Even if we do not know them (which I dont) I think it is only right to send our love and sympathy their way. Grief, especially of a young loved one, is the most horrifying thing anyone could ever go through. My heart is with all of Tori’s family and I am soooooo sorry for your loss. I know it is hard, but you should try to stop reading these posts on the net, most of them are malicious. Instead, lean on one another and maybe start a memory page for her friends and family. THat way you can read only positive things. A good one is blogspot.com
I will be thinking of you throughout this year and hope that you seek help if you need it.
Love through grief,
Allison

Comment on Shelton Mother by elwood

elwood — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:07:06 +0000

I am so sorry for your loss.
My husband was also a good friend of Tori.

Comment on Shelton Mother by Melissa Johnson

Melissa Johnson — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:58:39 +0000

Tori was my best friend, and as much as I know i need to stop reading all this stuff of the internet they keep posting – it’s hard… because I can’t call her to talk about my day anymore, we can’t share our funny – silly – or w/e stories about our kids.. I’ll never see her again… and that is probably the hardest thing for me (and many who knew her) to comr to terms with. I saw her 2 days before she passed on, and i had no idea she was pregnant and did not feel she was hiding anything from me… she wouldn’t have had any reason to! She was so much to so many and the media only cares about the “story” not those who grieve for who they lost. Tori was an angel on earth – and I was blessed to have the time I did have with her… out of selfishness – I wish i had more time… but she’s GOD’s child.
Thanks for your post about her.. it was refreshing to see something that didn’t try to speculate or trash her!
*Rest now my dear friend Tori – I love you – and I’ll be there for your family as much as I can!*

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by Angel

Angel — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:44:10 +0000

I have heard so many women say that they were having a c-section because they “just couldn’t handle the pain of childbirth.” I wonder if they truly realized that the “pain” of childbirth is over after the baby is born, whereas most c-section issues do not heal up for WEEKS (or, if there are complications, MONTHS) after childbirth.

Some women just do not do their research. They take everything their doctor says as gospel. Like one woman who said her doctor told her it was a good thing she had a repeat c-section because her uterus was “paper thin” and would not have made it through labor and delivery…but it did make it, in tact, the fully 9 months of uterine expansion with no problem.

I do not believe that Medical Malpractice is the culprit. I do believe it is greed and impatience that is the culprit.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by elwood

elwood — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:51:57 +0000

And it would turn around if women started suing over the unnecessary cesareans and the long term effects from them. But sadly that will never happen because the malpractice lawyers will not take on a case unless there is a baby that has been harmed or a serious mistake.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by angie

angie — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:49:47 +0000

Do a quick google search for “medical malpractice childbirth” and you’ll have your answer. Cesareans have lower SHORT-TERM risks, but of course have far worse outcomes, overall, for mother and baby (that, of course, they don’t have to deal with and are harder to place the burden of proof on/base a case on, after the fact).

If you are able to find a family practice physician out there who still delivers babies, my experience is that they’re more likely to encourage/practice normal birth. But most just aren’t willing to pay the malpractice for it anymore.

Attorneys are scum.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by elwood

elwood — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:23:58 +0000

Jasmine, you are very right, and another huge problem with the current standard of maternity care in the United States is the lack of hands off births. If more OB/GYN’s were to start practicing the “midwifery model of care” then the birth risks and climate would be MUCH different than it is today.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by Jasmine

Jasmine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:17:56 +0000

There are plenty of doctors out there that fully abide by the WHO guidelines. There is a lack of education on all levels on the risks and benefits of C-births, there is a money factor, hospitals and doctors benefit and relying too much on the latest technology as doctors have lost their ability to be more hands on. I am just glad when I hear OB/GYNs who will get on their backs on the floor to deliver a baby and not just in the comfy quarter-back position waiting for the baby.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by elwood

elwood — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:57:13 +0000

What about the number of other studies that show vaginal delivery as a much safer option? I mean, it is not rocket science. Even medical professionals will tell you the path with the least risk for the vast majority of women is a vaginal delivery.

Major surgery for no medical reason should not be promoted.

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by Pauline M Hull

Pauline M Hull — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:49:01 +0000

The conclusions drawn by the authors of the 2010 WHO survey are seriously flawed given the actual data contained within the survey’s findings. You can read the following reports for more information:

30 Jan 10 Nigel Hawkes: A bad case of bias against Caesareans, Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nigel-hawkes-a-bad-case-of-bias-against-caesareans-1883667.html

26 Jan 10 Funny Figures from WHO on Caesareans, Straight Statistics
http://www.straightstatistics.org/article/funny-figures-who-caesareans

12 Jan 10 Study advises against non-medial cesareans but how accurate is the advice?
http://cesareandebate.blogspot.com/2010/01/study-advises-against-non-medial.html

Comment on WHO says Elective Cesareans are too Risky by Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:03:18 +0000

“But why are so many women making the choice for these elective surgeries?”

Because they 1) honestly don’t know they have a choice, 2) know they have a choice, but believe a cesarean is the safer option, or 3) know vbac is the safer option, but are too scared of birth/lack support to try.

It’s a multifaceted problem, that will require a multifaceted solution. But the first and biggest step is: Awareness. You can’t solve a problem until you’ve admitted you have one. And this article is a step in the right direction!

Comment on Celebrity Home Birth : Gisele Bündchen by Cathby

Cathby — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:43:21 +0000

I also read that she said the birth didn’t hurt. Wow. Now THAT is something you don’t hear much either!

Comment on Top 10 Baby Must Haves! by Lorie

Lorie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:35:35 +0000

So many parents seem ready to put their babies in cribs too soon. Need more comments at this site enticing others with the benefits of co sleeping. Go here and help! http://gopost.info/100

Comment on What Do I Really Need For a Baby (Part 4) by Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:29:44 +0000

I found that MyRegistry.com has a really nice checklist that will recommend products for you after you tell them which things on the list you want and don’t want.

Comment on Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates by Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates - Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | Health News

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:38:07 +0000

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Comment on Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates by Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | Get Pregnant

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:13:05 +0000

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Comment on Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates by Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | trimestermommy.com

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:09:05 +0000

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Comment on Celebrity Home Birth : Gisele Bündchen by kia

kia — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:42:12 +0000

The big thing I was waiting to hear about is that it was a midwife attended birth. I believe her husband, mother, and midwife were present from an interview I read. Good for her and her choices.

Comment on Celebrity Home Birth : Gisele Bündchen by Celebrity Home Birth : Gisele Bündchen – Pregnancy, Parenthood … | Get Pregnant

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:06:03 +0000

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Comment on Modern VBAC Misconceptions by Larasmama

Larasmama — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:41:54 +0000

I don’t understand the current female opinion that a c-section is easier. I’ve known women who’ve wanted one even without reason. Having had surgeries previously, I’m much rather be awake and drug free! I just had my baby girl with no drugs and despite the pain it felt so great to know I didn’t have any medical interference. My baby was almost thrown straight into my arms a few instants after she was born, wide awake, something that rarely happens in a highly drugged or caesarian birth.

Comment on Hospitals Cracking Down on Early Labor Inductions by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:04:15 +0000

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Comment on Bucking the Trend by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:51:51 +0000

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Comment on United States scores D on preterm birth report card by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:14:58 +0000

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Comment on Lack of Rights for Birthing Women by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:12:56 +0000

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Comment on Does TV Cause the Fear of Childbirth? by kia

kia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:57:59 +0000

The kind of TV programming you mentioned does contribute to fear of labor and delivery. It is not the only source though. As a woman it seems like in my lifetime there have been few experiences where I have been empowered and truly educated about my body. I cannot blame TV alone for the fear of labor and delivery without blaming most of my gynos, my female relatives, and anyone else who has ever told me not to trust my body.

Comment on About Danielle Elwood by Tara

Tara — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:46:14 +0000

Hi Danielle,

I’m a Connecticut native, too! Nice to run across your blog (via @BirthBabiesBlog and @mommyheadqrtrs). Keep up the good work encouraging positive pregnancy and birth experiences! Be in touch with me please if I can help.

Comment on Legal Rights of Pregnant Women by elwood

elwood — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:41:15 +0000

It is good to include that, but it is sad that women are treated that way.

Comment on Legal Rights of Pregnant Women by Tara

Tara — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:39:50 +0000

This is great information to share with pregnant women and their partners. It might be important to mention, however, that speaking up for your rights in a hospital isn’t always met with warmth and appreciation. In my own case, I refused an IV for fluids that was part of the procedure for admitting a laboring woman in the hospital. The nurses didn’t take kindly to my refusal, however, and treated me disrespectfully after that until my midwife arrived at the hospital and acted as a go-between. When the shift changed, I got great nurses. But even though I had known in advance what I could refuse or choose, I wasn’t prepared in advance for how that would affect the attitude of those responsible for caring for me.

Comment on No need for women to fast during labor by Sadie

Sadie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:07:20 +0000

I always snuck food during labor.

When are you doing the giveaway thing? I forgot about it for a little bit lol. Email me.

Comment on Teaching Our Children Tolerance by StorageCraft

StorageCraft — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:12:48 +0000

Being a parent myself i know how important it is to teach such a quality to the children right from the starting. If not taught at this time then it would prove out to be a great trouble in the later years of life.

Comment on Why I Hate TV by Why I Hate TV – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime – Connecticut News | Drakz baby Online Service

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:10:16 +0000

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Comment on Car Seat Safety & Connecticut State Laws! by elwood

elwood — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:03:06 +0000

No, they have not, but they should.
Seat belts in buses could have prevented a deadly accident involving a school bus a couple weeks ago.

Comment on Car Seat Safety & Connecticut State Laws! by Christine

Christine — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:01:01 +0000

So have they put booster seats and seatbelt into school busses in Connecticut?

Comment on Why I Hate TV by elwood

elwood — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:41:00 +0000

Thank you Brandie, I completely feel that Dell’s character being labeled as a “Midwife” is not accurate at ALL. Why because instead of being in the hospital they let some women birth in their “birth suite” in their office building? If anything he would be a “medwife”

Comment on Why I Hate TV by Brandie L (doula- abq, new mexico)

Brandie L (doula- abq, new mexico) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:29:11 +0000

Thank you for your thoughts. I could not agree more. It was awful too that the character with her during her labor was supposed to be a midwife. He was visibly worried about her the whole time and rolling his eyes at her choice for a natural childbirth. He even sought out the OB to get her to talk her into unnecessary surgery. The total opposite of what a midwife really is. It is no wonder we don’t trust and believe in our bodies enough to let things happen the way that they are supposed to. And there is nothing wrong with being in labor for three days. If that is the time it takes, that is what the body and the baby may need, does not mean anything is wrong. Sad ABC..just sad.

Comment on Why I Hate TV by Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:57:26 +0000

Thanks for writing your thoughts down, Danielle. This is a great post. I can’t tell you how many times I stand up and yell at the tv when anything birth-related happens. You’d think I was watching a football game.

Comment on Why I Hate TV by Why I Hate TV – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime – Connecticut News | trimestermommy.com

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:43:57 +0000

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Comment on Interviewing Pre Natal Care Providers by Sandy Naidu

Sandy Naidu — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:29:05 +0000

Good set of questions – should be helpful for more.

Comment on Why Choose a Midwife? by susan

susan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:13:41 +0000

My story on choosing a midwife for this pregnancy is a bit of a long one. It really started when my OB’s practice wanted payment upfront instead of going through insurance. I felt very uncomfortable about that, because we would end up paying twice as much out of pocket for my prenatal care and birth than if they went straight through insurance. We aren’t poor, but we don’t have $6000 just laying around either.

The real kicker that made me start searching for initially a different OB, and then a midwife, was the fact that when I told my OB that I was planning a Hypnobabies 100% unmedicated birth, she told me that they give all of their VBAC moms epidurals. When I told her that I did not want any medication of any kind, she did the patronizing smirk and said, “We’ll see about that.” I ever went back to her again.

After contacting several other OBs in the area, and getting rather negative responses to my questions about VBAC successes and unmedicated births, my husband and I discussed home birth. After researching home births extensively, I contacted the only home birth midwife in the area. (Turns out that CNMs don’t do home births around me, and CPMs are illegal) We met with her, and hired her on the spot.

The difference in care is amazing. My appointments are done in my home, on any day of the week that is good for me, at the time of my choosing. They always last at least an hour, and are spent talking about my birth plans, nutrition, exercise, vitamins, herbs, etc. My appointments with my OB used to be 45 minutes of me waiting for her to finally get to me, then 5 minutes of being yelled at about my weight gain (which has always been reasonable, and right in line with what I should gain), and then being shuffled out the door. I can decline any and all testing, without being made to feel like I’m killing myself or my baby, and never have internal exams.

What I really like though, is the fact that my midwife knows *me*. She knows my family, my son, and my home. She doesn’t have to look at my chart to know my name or when I am due. I couldn’t get that kind of personal care from the OB that I was with for my 1st pregnancy and the beginning of this pregnancy. (She was my OB for 5+ years and never even knew my name…)

Comment on Car Seat Safety & Connecticut State Laws! by susan

susan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:39:08 +0000

I just wanted to share that I got a flyer from my car insurance company (State Farm) that gave the 1 year 20 pound limit law, but then stated in huge bold letters that it is recommended to rear face until your child has reached the seat limits on height/weight. I love that they sent that out.

Comment on Gestational Diabetes 101 by Gestational Diabetes 101 - Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | Health News

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:22:11 +0000

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Comment on Interviewing Pre Natal Care Providers by Interviewing Pre Natal Care Providers – Pregnancy, Parenthood … | Pregnancy Chart

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:42:38 +0000

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Comment on What Do I Really Need (for a baby) Part 3 by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:17:50 +0000

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Comment on The Mom’s Survival Guide : Morning Sickness by Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:34:04 +0000

There are lots of cures for morning sickness out there along with lots of old wives tales. Lots things work for different women. One of the most popular is to actually eat. It sound odd but if you can push through the nausea at first, many women find the sensation dies away quickly.

Comment on Car Seat Safety & Connecticut State Laws! by embee

embee — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:50:06 +0000

Also don’t forget that meeting the 1 year old and 20 lb requirement does not mean you must automatically turn your child around to forward facing. If your carseat allows your child’s weight, then your child can stay rear-facing, which is much safer.

Comment on Hospitals Cracking Down on Early Labor Inductions by Chrystal @ Happy Mothering

Chrystal @ Happy Mothering — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:11:08 +0000

I for one am glad that they’re cutting back on early inductions. I was pressured from every angle to be induced early with my first daughter. I refused until I reached 40 weeks and was miserable from severe edema and high weight gain. My induction nearly ended in a c-section, but not because of failure to progress. My daughter was 10 lbs 1 oz and had broad shoulders. Even though she was so big, sometimes I wonder if maybe I should’ve waited longer before agreeing to be induced…

Comment on Legal Rights of Pregnant Women by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:56:02 +0000

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Comment on Maternal Mortality in the United States by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:49:04 +0000

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Comment on Helping Mothers Post Cesarean by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:48:36 +0000

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Comment on Inducing Labor Leads to More C-Sections by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:12:17 +0000

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Comment on Birth Organization of the Week by Birth Organization of the Week – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime …

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:13:29 +0000

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Comment on Birth Organization of the Week by Amy Kiel

Amy Kiel — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:15:54 +0000

I am happy to learn of your series about different birth organizations. I look forward to learning more about ICAN and the organizations you highlight in the future. As a community leader for the Pregnancy group on WEGO Health (http://wegohealth.com) I look forward to sharing your blog and resources there. I would love to invite you to check us out and feel free to participate!

Comment on Building an Online Support System by susan

susan — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:49:17 +0000

Thanks for the great suggestions! I haven’t heard of several of those, so I’ll need to check them out!

http://www.baby-gaga.com is a pretty good one as well, as long as you stay away from the drama.

Comment on Modern VBAC Misconceptions by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:10:45 +0000

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Comment on The Mom’s Survival Guide : Morning Sickness by uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:26:36 +0000

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Comment on Cesarean Section Not Best Option for Breech by Tweets that mention Cesarean Section Not Best Option for Breech - Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime - Connecticut News -- Topsy.com

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:35:32 +0000

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Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:07:24 +0000

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Comment on A Healthy Baby Isn’t All That Matters by Marisa

Marisa — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:09:09 +0000

Wow, excellent post! I’m so glad I’m not the only person who had a traumatic birthing experience!

I had a VERY traumatic c-section with the birth of my first daughter. I couldn’t even spend her first several hours with her because I was in recovery for so long. And instead of giving me a chance to feed her the first meal, they just gave her a bottle. I cried whenever I thought about my birthing experience for over a year. And, though giving birth to my second baby was a much better surgery experience, I still cried every day of my pregnancy because I was so scared to give birth again.

Comment on Inducing Labor Leads to More C-Sections by knoxvilledoula

knoxvilledoula — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:06:15 +0000

Excellent post!

Comment on What Do I Really Need (for a baby) Part 3 by naomi

naomi — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:36:49 +0000

Bath robe…worthless! Agreed! As soon as they are toweled off, you put clothes on them. They are not lounging around the house reading the newspaper.
I also LOVE CA Baby products. They are pricy so worth putting on your registry so that others pay for them…and stock up, I’m sure they will keep for a while!

We have one simple (no talking parts or special fancy stuff) baby toliet. It is a baby bjorn potty (hate their carriers, love their potty!)that we got at a multiplies club yard sale (you know the families that have twins and triplets and have SOOO much stuff). It was barley used and very easy to clean. It is really worth it to think openly about some used things that you will need for only a short time. Spend (or have family spend) money on things that will be used for a long period of time or are special and unusual to your family. It also is enviromentaly sound!

Comment on Legal Rights of Pregnant Women by The Legal Rights of Pregnant Women : http://blog.ctnews.com/elwood/2009/09/22/legal-rights-of-pregnant-women/ #pregnancy #birth #rights

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:30:14 +0000

[...] Excerpt from: The Legal Rights of Pregnant Women : http://blog.ctnews.com/elwood/2009/09/22/legal-rights-of-pregna... [...]

Comment on Gestational Diabetes 101 by elwood

elwood — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:49:35 +0000

Thank you Kevin.
As a mother who had it with my second child, I wish I had known more about it before I was diagnosed!

Comment on Gestational Diabetes 101 by Kevin Shorter

Kevin Shorter — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:47:09 +0000

Dear Danielle,
Thanks for putting this article together. It is great summary of gestational diabetes.

Comment on Gestational Diabetes 101 by Gestational Diabetes 101 – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … | Get Pregnant

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:03:18 +0000

[...] More here: Gestational Diabetes 101 – Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime … [...]

Comment on Gestational Diabetes 101 by Gestational Diabetes 101 – Pregnancy, Parenthood amp; Playtime … — Diabetes Information

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:25:09 +0000

[...] admin wrote an interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerptSomething to also add is once you have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes in pregnancy, there is a good chance that you can develop btype 2 diabetes/b later on in life. So you can take Gestational Diabetes as a warning side to help … [...]

Comment on A Healthy Baby Isn’t All That Matters by Lynette

Lynette — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:22:33 +0000

Very well said.

Comment on The Mom’s Survival Guide : Morning Sickness by Louise

Louise — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:17:17 +0000

I tried acupuncture in my current pregnancy and it helped immensely with morning sickness! If you can find a good and reasonably priced acupuncturist, it is definitely worth trying.

Comment on What Do I really Need? (Part 1) by Kat

Kat — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Instead of the travel system, I registered for a Phil & Ted’s stroller. It acommodates an infant to 55lbs. It is also a jogging stroller for when I want to exercise. Finally, when it comes time to have our second baby, all you do is attach the optional second seat and now you can cart around both kids. Love it! Love the fact that I won’t have a pile of dusty strollers in my basement in a year or two even more. This one does it all. Thanks for all the tips! If only my mom gave out helpful advice like this and kept her other comments to herself! LOL.

Comment on What Do I really Need (Part 2) by elwood

elwood — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:00:29 +0000

I am glad I could help! With two kids now, one being 2 and one being 8 months old almost, my house DOES look like a daycare. LOL! I wish we had room for a “play room”

Comment on What Do I really Need (Part 2) by Kat

Kat — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:56:42 +0000

This is so helpful! I’m about to be a first time mom and the amount of stuff out there (most of which I have never ever even heard of before) is overwhelming. I have a well-decorated house and value my aesthetics, and so do not want to buy all of this baby junk that will make me feel like I live at a day care. Thank you for all this great advice. It is refereshing to hear that I can repurpose certain things to be used for several tasks instead of purchasing a separate item for each. For example, nursing cover / baby blanket – same exact thing. Why I need to purchase and cart around one of each is beyond me. You offer a much needed minimalistic approach.

Comment on What Do I really Need (Part 2) by naomi

naomi — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:09:12 +0000

I used the bumbo a little, but it is such a short time, just borrow or get a used one. They are VERY easy to clean!

Comment on Epidurals by Best of the Birth Blogs – Week Ending January 3rd | ICAN Blog

Best of the Birth Blogs – Week Ending January 3rd | ICAN Blog — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:19:08 +0000

[...] Science & Sensibility – Her Survival Was a “Christmas Miracle”, but the Disaster was Man-Made: Henci Goer calls a spade a spade on the high-profile story of one mother’s death and recovery during childbirth. Also check out Danielle’s post on the risks of epidurals. [...]

Comment on Building an Online Support System by Building an Online Support System – Pregnancy, Parenthood … | Get Pregnant

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:10:37 +0000

[...] Continue reading here: Building an Online Support System – Pregnancy, Parenthood … [...]

Comment on Building an Online Support System by Cindy lou Burgess

Cindy lou Burgess — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:09:40 +0000

Awesome stuff keep up the good work. From a one car family. Baby loving, family first gal.

Comment on Building an Online Support System by Mamma M

Mamma M — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:49:17 +0000

wow that is awesome. that’s EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. I kept searching for mom blogs and google kept coming up with the most random stuff!

Comment on Making Resolutions that Count! by Dr. Harris Meyer

Dr. Harris Meyer — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:22:51 +0000

I LOVE THIS POST!
Thank you SOOOO much for including the “planetary” aspect in the beginning of your post. Did you mention turning off the car engine when not needed? A major pet peeve of mine (first time I’ve ever used that phrase) is coming off the San Francisco BART and walking past cars sitting in the parking lot for 10 minutes or more with the motor running. It’s not cold around here. Please save our air, people.

I support your hopes for 2010. So many things that should and CAN be improved. Let’s see it get done. Happy New Year!

Comment on What Do I really Need? (Part 1) by naomi

naomi — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:57:17 +0000

Shopping Cart Cover—-ha ha ha, use a baby blanket or something (or just wipe it like you said) Half the time I see people useing them it had slipped off anyway. This is certainly something you can get at a good consignment shop or used from a friend anyway while saving the money to hire a mother’s helper or grocery delivery in that first couple months (or later)
I used the Boppy pillow only later for baby when getting ready to sit independantly. I think MANY people over pack diaperbags. Unless you are going in someplace for HOURS just put a few basics in a small bag or your large purse. I saw one poor mother with a diaper bag the size of carry-on luggage for a 30min lunch in a quick resturant. I always have a big back-up bag in my car somewhere (with extra clothes, diaper stuff, snacks etc) but only bring in one of each item, packed as small as possible. The baby is heavy enough and needs very little really. So he had a poopy blowout in the bookstore. You have wipes, diaper and a light onesie, pants and socks. You will make it to change him, finish your shopping and get back to the car and go on your way.
Sorry, I’ll stop ranting now!

Comment on Very Close Loss by elwood

elwood — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:38:54 +0000

Thank you… She was just an all around amazing person. We started as associated through the ICAN chapter here in the state, and we turned into the best of friends. We would chit chat on the phone nightly, our family would go over for dinner… It is still hard for me to get through, but she is in a much better place, and she is helping babies to be born from heaven.

Comment on Very Close Loss by FC Mom

FC Mom — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:33:01 +0000

That really is sad. I spoke to Karen when I was looking for a doula and she was really, really helpful. You can tell what a kind person she is in these photos. Thank you for sharing the pics. She certainly was a good- what’s the word- diplomat-representative- model- spokesperson- for doulas. I mean, she made a great impression on the phone for what a doula would be! Professional and caring.

Comment on What Do I really Need? (Part 1) by FC Mom

FC Mom — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:29:34 +0000

Great list! Very accurate. We NEVER used our door jumpy- it’s just more fun to play with the kid yourself if they’re at the point where they can use it, and it really isn’t that safe. Also, the grocery cart cover- I always wear the baby in the ERGO while we shop bc it is/was winter and or cold/flu season so I felt better having him near me (because even with him so close to me, lots of people would try to get up in his face, which really annoyed me). I regret registering for grocery cart cover and door jumpie- both are in the closet, never used.

The Bjorn, also, used just a few times before I realized how incredibly uncomfortable it is (and inconvenient to adjust for a different size user). We got the Moby wrap, then the ERGO, which is far easier for bigger/smaller parent to adjust.

The stationary entertainer- fabulous- but yes, not good to hang the kid by the crotch.

Agree about bottles- I returned the ones I got because we didn’t use them, and by the time we used them at 6-7 months, I wanted to use different ones than the ones I registered for!

I’d add to this list- we have loved our Skip Hop travel changing pack. Fits a couple diapers and wipes case, a mini mini diaper bag. So handy for car trips too, for changing baby in backseat of car, rather than using a gross bathroom. nice wide changing pad. The pack zips up into a little square and has a wrist strap so you can easily carry it if you are going for a walk or something.

Breastfeeding: loved the Brestfriend pillow. Must have for blogging while breastfeeding. I love the Lansinoh breast pads. The handpump, though, didn’t love, didn’t really work for me, but it’s good to have in the house just in case.

Comment on About Danielle Elwood by Trisha Lawrie

Trisha Lawrie — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:54:57 +0000

Hi, Danielle…

I just watched your video on the BirthCut website. I have a few poems posted there, and sometimes go to check out anything new. I feel so grateful for running across your video, and though it sounds cliche, I feel like I know you.

I had an unnecessary c-section with my first child, and it was very difficult for me to accept. Seeing your video brought back some of that pain. I saw you in those pictures and I know exactly what you were going through. The pain, the disappointment, the anger. I was so rooting for you for your second birth, and I felt your pain again when you went in for surgery.

I too got lots of help from my local Cleveland chapter of ICAN, and I hope that more women get educated. My first birth inspired me to become a child birth educator through Birth Works. Check them out…since you are a doula, I highly recommend these classes for women. They are so empowering…not at all like hospital classes.

Anyways, my goal for 2010 is to write a book about the homebirth I had with my second child, and to try and convince women to at least just CONSIDER having a home birth.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your passion for helping women to have fulfilling birth experiences. Keep up the good work, and know that you are not alone.

Sincerely,
Trisha Lawrie

Comment on Does TV Cause the Fear of Childbirth? by Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:08:50 +0000

There is/was a Canadian birth show that had a good mix of births, including homebirths. Birth Stories, from the Life Network. Only birth show I could stand

Comment on Alternative Pain Relief During Labor by Sheridan

Sheridan — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:21:09 +0000

Thanks for mentioning Hypnosis. Some moms who use Hypnosis for birth are completely comfortable throughout their births, which shows the incredible power of our minds!

Comment on A Healthy Baby Isn’t All That Matters by faedemere

faedemere — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:14:35 +0000

I’m so glad you wrote this post! This is one that I am not the only one that these words grate on. Marginalizing mom’s feelings and discounting her experience is a HUGE part of the problem with the culture of birth in our country.

Comment on The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe in Infant Mortality by elwood

elwood — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:43:31 +0000

Unfortunately they did not break the information down in the report that was released. But I am hoping sometime in 2010 there will be more detailed information on the subject. It is hard to get that kind of information because they do not want the public to really know. As sad as it sounds.

Comment on The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe in Infant Mortality by Tara @ Go Green St.

Tara @ Go Green St. — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:38:15 +0000

Was there any info as to if the death rate is higher in c-section babies?

Comment on Epidurals by Massagedoula1

Massagedoula1 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:44:22 +0000

I had my first son in 1995. I read “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” (didn’t know there were other, much better books) and took Lamaze. It was required that I meet with the anesthesiologist 3 full weeks before my EDD to review the LONG page of risks(including DEATH)and sign the waiver, or I would NOT be a candidate for the epidural. Had a horrible labor (which I will not go into), did get the epidural though (although I remember feeling every pain), had a vaginal birth.
Fast forward 3 years:
Same hospital, same doctor, different protocol. I chose ahead of time to get the epidural again (yeh, I was a sheep following the herd) and asked about when I needed to meet with the anesthesiologist to review and sign off on all of the risks. The nurse told me that that no one needed to do that, she actually didn’t know I had been required to 3 years before, and told me that everyone gets it, all you have to do is ask.
At least I knew from my first birth what my risks were. I am thankful that both births were vaginal and my kids are healthy, but I knew then that something was horribly wrong with the hospital system.
I am now a doula and believe in giving all my clients the information about all the risks, because I believe those risks are significant.
Also, as a massage therapist, I have worked with several clients who had received epidurals in the past and have to cope with ongoing back pain from it, and even a lump on one of them.
Women need to know. Thanks for posting this!

Comment on Epidurals by Desiree

Desiree — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:02:18 +0000

Does anybody who throws that phrase around even know what martyr means?

Merriam- Webster definition: Main Entry: 1mar·tyr
Pronunciation: \ˈmär-tər\
Function: noun
1 : a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion
2 : a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle

Now generally that refers to someone who chooses death to make a point, generally religious in nature. How in the world is a woman who does not get an epidural martyring herself? If anything it is just a simple smart choice when you look at the research and studies conclusions of epidural use. Does the benefit of mom being relieved of a temporary pain outweigh the risks of an epidural to mom and baby? Maybe, maybe not. Not for me.

Comment on Maternal Mortality in the United States by Lucy

Lucy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:47:13 +0000

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Lucy

http://maternitymotherhood.net

Comment on Epidurals by michele

michele — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:27:59 +0000

A “martyr”? No. Just someone who prefers to not have an epidural. It really is as simple as that.

I also had an epidural with #1–hated it. Horrible experience. Ended up in a cesarean. Baby #2, at home, no meds and birthed vaginally.

Yes, my natural birth was painful, but it was much better for me and my baby. And I would do it again.

Comment on Epidurals by Tina

Tina — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:03:16 +0000

Like most here I have more than 1 child. With my 1st I had an epidural. With my 2nd I didn’t have the chance to get one. Even though it was very painful for me (still talking about my second), the end result for both of my deliveries was the same. Both babies went into respiratory distress and had to stay in the NICU. If I had to do my 2nd again the only part that I would change is not getting an epidural.

Comment on Epidurals by Crunchy Nurse

Crunchy Nurse — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:52:48 +0000

Here is a great analogy, would you stand at the sidelines of a marathon yelling at the runners “give up! it’s not worth it! stop trying to be a martyr! you’re not going to win a medal!” Read the rest here:
http://www.raisingmyboychick.com/2009/08/just-like-athletics-exploring-a-childbirth-analogy/ (Not my blog, but very well done)

Comment on Epidurals by Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:49:17 +0000

I don’t get the “martyr” thing, and I never will. I’d much rather go through labour pain than have someone put a needle in my spine. My babies have all been by c-section (which I never wanted, and wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy). The surgery was awful. The spinal anesthetic I had with three of them was every bit as awful. My desire to avoid the pain “relief” of having a needle put in my spine has nothing to do with being a martyr. It has to do with wanting to avoid something I find traumatic. Being awake and knowing that things are happening to my body that I can’t feel is freaky. I’m no more being a “martyr” by wanting to avoid that than someone else is being a “martyr” through her willingness to go through my own personal hell in order to avoid something (labour) that just isn’t that big a deal to me.

Comment on Epidurals by toni

toni — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:58:09 +0000

I actually enjoyed my unmedicated out-of-hospital birth. I didn’t want an epidural, not because I was a “martyr” or wanted to prove I could go through the “horrible” pain of child birth. I didn’t want an epidural because I didn’t think I needed one, and I was right. My labor was only 7 hours long, from the time my water broke to when I gave birth. It wasn’t bad at all, I call it manageable. I never wanted pain relief till I hit transition, which is typical. 20 minutes after uttering the words “I can’t do this anymore” I was holding my baby. Everyone is different, and for me, an epidural, which can lead to other interventions (pitocin, episiotomy, c-section) sounded much worse to me than natural childbirth

Comment on Epidurals by Claire

Claire — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:42:29 +0000

Before I had my first baby, I would probably have said something like Beth, I didn’t see why anyone would want to be in pain if there was an alternative.

Then I gave birth, and had a bad epi experience. It failed to work properly, and there were some horrible side effects.

So my second child was born unmedicated aside from gas and air. My decision was made simply because of my past experience and also because it is undisputably better for baby if you can manage without medications. Epidurals are not without their risks and downsides, and to say that women that don’t have them are being “martyrs” is incredibly dismissive. It’s a choice like any other. Want one, have one, but don’t knock those that choose not to.

Comment on Epidurals by heartsandhandss

heartsandhandss — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:32:10 +0000

Wanting to labor without medication does not mean your a martyr. It is a choice women have that they are free to make. Just because you loved yours and couldn’t imagine laboring without doesn’t mean you should say things like that.

It is a woman’s choice. She can choose to use meds or not, but being a martyr has nothing to do with it.

Comment on Epidurals by Beth

Beth — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:24:15 +0000

Elwood-I see where you are coming from too. It is a choice that you made that was best for you…no one else. No one else should have an opinion about your experience except for you.

Comment on Epidurals by Beth

Beth — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:22:22 +0000

Thanks Who’s the Boss for the backing! Birthperson-Having given birth twice gives me the experience to say I made the best choice for ME! Not you or anyone else. And not everyone should make their choices based off of mine-it is my opinion and my choice. I choose NOT to be a martyr and to enjoy the birth process. My choice-not yours. So who is copping out? And what is the cop out? Only a man would say it is a cop out….and a man cannot give birth and therefore, should not have an opinion.

Comment on Epidurals by elwood

elwood — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:20:27 +0000

I can see where they are coming from. I chose to be in pain during the majority of my second labor, at least 24 hours of it because I didn’t want an epidural. In reality, it wasn’t that bad.

Comment on Epidurals by Who's the Boss?

Who's the Boss? — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:16:28 +0000

Birthperson-what do you mean? What’s a copout? Sounds like a legitimate comment. Why would a woman choose to be in pain if she didn’t have to? You don’t see MEN lining up to give birth and probably wouldn’t if they could (do not site the “man” who gave birth because he was a she)

Comment on Epidurals by Birthperson

Birthperson — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:06:06 +0000

I think that too many women think they need to be martyrs when having a baby when they shouldn’t.

I hate this copout answer. But I guess that’ my problem.

Comment on Epidurals by elwood

elwood — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:44:08 +0000

I also think it depends greatly on the woman and her pain threshold.
With my second, I labored naturally for a very long time, and it didn’t bother me. Things would have been much different had I actually given birth instead of having a c-section.
I would do it all over again a million times, especially over pitocin contractions!

Comment on Epidurals by Beth

Beth — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:38:02 +0000

Having had two children, both with an epidural, I can say that I am SO glad that I had one. If I didn’t, the experience wouldn’t have been as positive. I love to look back at the experience and think of it as a good thing, not the pain. I think that too many women think they need to be martyrs when having a baby when they shouldn’t. When in doubt, get one!!!!

Comment on Epidurals by Erin

Erin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:16:07 +0000

Six hours? How awful for you, I am so sorry.
Great post. Very few women look at the dark side of epidurals, unfortunately. It seems like getting an epidural in labor is equal to taking an aspirin for a headache with many women, and it’s something I’ve never understood. The risks aside, childbirth is something that you so rarely get to experience, I can’t imagine wanting to sleep through it. I loved it all–even the pain. Aside from all that, I’m so thankful I made the decision to use a midwife and doula with my first labor. My water broke at the start of labor, my son was still very high (even at 9cm, he only descended to a +2 station when I’d have a contraction) and posterior, so I was in labor for close to 24 hours. With the help of my midwife and doula getting me into positions, walking, doing partner squats and so on, I was able to birth him vaginally. After he was born, my midwife and doula both said that had I had an epidural and been flat on my back, I would most likely have had a c-section.

Comment on Knowing the local breastfeeding laws by elwood

elwood — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:32:06 +0000

Yes, to my knowledge, this is on top of normal state mandated breaks.

Comment on Knowing the local breastfeeding laws by Kimber

Kimber — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:28:59 +0000

Question – does this mean even if we need more time than our lunch breaks allow? I have been breaking mine up into 3-20 minute periods and rushing to get my pump together and clean it afterward. I stay at my desk to avoid having to waste time walking to the mother’s rooms. I wouldn’t abuse the time but it would be nice to not be checking email and talking to co-workers while I’m pumping. (I have a single and pump one breast at a time for 10 minutes each.)

Comment on Pick Your Battles by elwood

elwood — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:47:58 +0000

Oh there is NO question in my mind that these two are as polar opposite as they get!!!! If I had my second first, I would have never had a second! LOL

Comment on Pick Your Battles by TheFeministBreeder

TheFeministBreeder — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:43:34 +0000

Somebody sent me this link right after my second son was born, and I thought it was nothing short of brilliant.

http://moxie.blogs.com/askmoxie/2006/06/babies_and_cio.html

My two boys are exact opposites. My first was a baby who released tension by crying – no amount of holding/rocking him at bedtime would help him calm down. He had to scream until he fell asleep – that is, until we discovered his “sweet spot” (the exact right time to put him down so he’d go easily without any fussing, which also involved the use of the Weissbluth “schedules” method.) My second son has always been a baby who got more and more anxious as he cried. He absolutely MUST be nursed/rocked, and that would always quiet him immediately. We were eventually able to get both boys sleeping like champs, but they had to be treated very differently. I found out the hard way that kids can be polar opposites in this arena. Some kids will never get to sleep with parents hovering over them (like my first, he cannot even sleep in the same room with us.) And some kids need to be buried safely in mom’s armpit all night long to sleep soundly. Sounds like you just got two different types of kids.

Comment on Balancing Motherhood by Bellasmomma

Bellasmomma — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:37:04 +0000

I agree that women MUST take time for themselves…A happy woman=a happy momma, a happy wife. So many moms though feel guilty for taking time for themselves and think they are taking away from their child/ren, household if they do take time for themselves. Men do it ALL the time, hang out with the guys, watch sports, etc yet when women do it they are often looked at as being selfish!
I’ve always made sure to take time for myself and it doesn’t even have to be spending money. A hot bubble bath with a good book for an hour with candles lit and a glass of wine works wonders for the soul.

Comment on The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe in Infant Mortality by tj mathews

tj mathews — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:41:22 +0000

Thanks for your words. Hopefully our analysis and excellent commentary like yours can make a difference out in the real world (mine is tied up in statistics but I do really care).
tj mathews (at home)

Comment on The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe in Infant Mortality by elwood

elwood — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:33:57 +0000

I tried to take a different angle with this article. I believe that the feeding issue is a whole other can of worms in it self for the subject. But, I do agree that there is a connection between the amount of formula fed babies in the United States, and our infant mortality rate, compared to other countries where Breastfeeding is the norm. For most mothers there is never a “choice” as to breast feed or formula feed like it is here.

Comment on Home Birth in Connecticut by elwood

elwood — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:32:18 +0000

Nancy will also be speaking on a panel in January about the rising cesarean rate in Connecticut in Shelton!

Comment on Home Birth in Connecticut by Emily

Emily — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:28:46 +0000

Nancy attended my HBAC a year and two months ago. All I can say is she is AMAZING. I loved my prenatal visits…we usually spent an hour per visit, sometimes more. She showed concern and support for me while my husband was out to sea for 4 months of my pregnancy. The emotional support I received from her was equally as important (if not more so) than the physical support I received for the pregnancy and birth.

Comment on The CDC Releases New Report Comparing US to Europe in Infant Mortality by lauredhel

lauredhel — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:45:49 +0000

I find it amazing that you, as a doula and aspiring midwife, have managed to write an entire article musing about differing infant mortality rates without mentioning infant feeding. Was it edited out before publication?

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:48:05 +0000

I have had 5 successful VBACs. Even with my success, I am still finding it hard to find a care provider to assist with my future births.
What a sad sad world we live in. We can freely choose how to end a pregnancy but we are stripped of our rights when it comes to delivery.

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by elwood

elwood — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:45:25 +0000

Thank you for sharing your experience Jessica. I was happy to share in your journey through your second pregnancy.

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:43:02 +0000

I think this is a good article…I had an emergency section with my first and it went fine, i healed fine etc…with my second i figured the section was so easy might as well do it again! and i did, again it was easy(for me). not everyone has my experiences, but for me, they were both easy. with my third i decided i wanted a natural delivery. I saw the high risk MFM for my pregnancy because of my 2 previous premature deliveries. They were so beyond against it!!!!! BUT, i stuck to my guns and stood my ground, and i signed everything AMA to have a vba2c! things didnt go as planned though, because when my water broke because she was small(what they say) she had gone from head down to her elbow comming out of my cervix..and off for the emergency section i went. i had my tubes tied because i know more than 3 sections is too great of risk to my health but to this day i am really upset about the whole thing and think of what could have been done differently….

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by elwood

elwood — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:29:10 +0000

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is stories like yours that really echo how we are not advancing in the medical community, but we truly are taking steps back.

Comment on Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean : The Tides Should Change…. by Jupiter

Jupiter — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:25:48 +0000

It’s amazing to me how quickly the attitudes about VBAC changed from just a decade ago. My fist child was a HORRIBLE c-section (it really was a medical rape). That was 19 years ago. 13 years ago,I was pregnant w/ twins. My OB approached VBAC as being the safest option and the attitude was, “Well,OF COURSE you’ll have a VBAC”. I went into labor 5 weeks early and my dr was out of town. The doctor who attended to me was a nationally renowned expert on multiple births. Again, never questioned a VBAC. Now, women are aghast when i tell them I had a VBAC with TWINS. That’s automatically a c-section,it seems.

8 years ago, my dr was again wonderful about encouraging VBAC but the hospital I birthed in was not and 4 years later, the same hospital instituted the VBAC BAN.

Unfortunately, the VBAC resistance has spread to the midwifery community and I could not find anyone who would attend a VBAC homebirth. I refused to have another c-section, especially knowing I can successfully have a VBAC. We opted for an Unassisted Homebirth. It turned out wonderfully but since then, I receive emails & phone calls from women who feel that they have no choice but to have an UC at home. It’s very concerning…birth options are being limited so women are taken birth into their own hands and in some of these cases, it might not be the safest option.

sorry for rambling ;-/

Comment on Pumpkin Picking by Leigh

Leigh — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:46:10 +0000

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jones Family Tree Farms. At Pumpkinseed Hill, they also sell their delicious apples, pumpkin cranberry cookies (I HIGHLY recommend them… delicious!!!), apple cider, other types of seasonal squash, jams, and their own wine.
I think the wine is a fairly new addition to their collection of things they sell, but it is SO good.
There’s always so much to do at Jones (they even do hayrides!) I will always push people to make the trek out there!

Comment on Very Close Loss by Renee

Renee — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:19:16 +0000

I am so glad you have these pictures and the special memory of having your dear friend at your birth. I met Karen what seems like many years ago when Joanne and I began the CT Doula Network and CT Birthing Community group. She always so exctied to connect with others and help us to spread the word about doulas and CBE. Take care of yourself
Renee

Comment on Cesarean Section = Pre Existing Medical Condition? by elwood

elwood — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:33:06 +0000

TWellington, There are currently two groups in this state working on the dangerously high c-section rates. One being the Connecticut Maternity Care Worst to First Campaign, and the other is The International Cesarean Awareness Network of Connecticut.
http://ctworsttofirst.com
and
http://icanofconnecticut.webs.com

Comment on Cesarean Section = Pre Existing Medical Condition? by TWellington

TWellington — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:20:14 +0000

Why is it possible for almost anyone to buy a car for 20K or a house for 100K but 15K for a baby “bankrupts” everyone?

Seems to me that it should be possible to finance known costs. If the insurance companies do this, they will simply charge enough so that they can pay for the huge number of c-sections done. That’s not insurance anymore, that’s just collecting money. “Insurance” is something you have for unexpected expenses, like fire at your house or an auto accident. If what you want is for any health issue of any kind to be paid for, you will have to pay for it and you will be asking others to pay for it. Just be aware that then you are not talking about insurance anymore.

When are women’s rights groups going to start raising awareness about the dangerous rate of c-sections? Just asking, as I’ve been hearing about this for the last 30 years, with no changes made except the rate keeps going up. It could be a good thing if this whole pre-existing condition thing focused some attention on why we have this problem in the first place, before any more women consider c-sections the normal way to deliver a baby.

Comment on The No Self Esteem Generation by elwood

elwood — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:03:08 +0000

Fransis, you took my posting out of context. Clearly children should be taught to treat all people with respect, but some of the young men I hear talking in the mall today, if they were my kid it simply would not fly. While there may be more career oriented women, there are still many dealing with abusive relationships.
And I fully believe that sex and self esteem go hand in hand. Many young girls look to sexual acts to get attention they may not be getting in other places.

Comment on The No Self Esteem Generation by fransis

fransis — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:55:40 +0000

I know way more empowered girls and women than I did 20 years ago. In fact, I can’t think of one good friend, relative, colleague or daughter of these women who are suffering from what you call “…a pretty large, and equally frightening epidemic sweeping our nation…” I think you’re confusing self-esteem with sex.

Also, teaching boys to speak to women and young ladies differently than… who? Old men, baby girls?… is sexist. Teach children to respect all people equally. And let’s take the time to talk to both our sons and daughters about their self worth, not just our daughters.

Teaching our sons to treat girls differently , and talking to only our daughters about self-esteem creates the illusion that one gender deserves special treatment over another. Now THAT’S putting us back several generations.

Comment on Knowing the local breastfeeding laws by Lindsey

Lindsey — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:34:26 +0000

Thank goodness I have an employer who didn’t place any restrictions on my need to take breaks to pump for the baby. I decided when, where, and how long and nary a word did he speak against it. And when a jerk employee made me feel uncomfortable over it, he yanked him into a closed door meeting with himself and some higher-ups about sexual harrassment and I haven’t had a problem since.

Comment on Knowing the local breastfeeding laws by Michele

Michele — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:23:43 +0000

YAY for breastfeeding !!! Isn’t it sad we need laws to feed our children ?!?!!? What’s next ?

Comment on The No Self Esteem Generation by Lindsay

Lindsay — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:08 +0000

Thanks for the extra birth control…jeez

Comment on Going back in time : Twilight Sleep by RJ

RJ — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:45 +0000

It is interesting too, that in the cases of chloroform, twilight sleep, maternity x-rays, thalidomide, and even more modern meds like cytotec, it was only well after the fact, after so much damage had been done that these practices were stopped. What will we find out 20 years from now, about the effects of epidural anesthesia on 80+% of the population?

My father taught me when I was a kid to use “the right tool for the right job.” Some advances in modern medicine save lives and help experiences. Yet, unless we spare them for the times when we really need them, we are blindly using these tools today and hoping they’ll work most of the time, like using a screwdriver to hammer in a nail rather than to tighten a screw. Meanwhile, maternal and infant mortality rates continue to climb.

We know birth works, or else most of us wouldn’t be here. We need to realize that right now, it works *in spite of* all these modern-day conventions used on 90% of our women, rather than because of them.

Comment on Going back in time : Twilight Sleep by CarolinaMomma

CarolinaMomma — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:10:08 +0000

I watched this episode with baited breathe. I felt so badly for Betty and what she was going through. I also felt badly for Don(he would have never let Betty be treated that way) and the other father-to-be. He was never told there was a problem with his wife and that a specialist was being called in for breech. He said it out right and truthfully. “what the hell is wrong with you people, that’s my wife in there.” I am paraphrasing of course but that is pretty darn close.

The sad reality is that while Twilight sleep is no longer the standard of care; Pushing of Epidurals, breaking of waters, shaving, and supine coached pushing are all still the standard of care in many hospitals. Women more times than not are made to feel like they have no choice because of hospital or doctor policy. You cannot eat or drink, You have to have Electronic Fetal Monitoring, you cannot move about freely. Women may have come around to the fact that the couldn’t remember the birth of their child, but now it has become something some wish to forget because of the way they were treated and the countless interventions. 1 step forward, 2 steps back.

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Meredith

Meredith — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:46:51 +0000

Dear “Whats it to you,”

First of all, you can’t possibly be college-educated yourself because you clearly have no concept of the apostrophe. As an English degree holder, I cringe at your ridiculous attempts to appear “intelligent.” By “Whats,” I assume you mean the contraction of “what is” — not a plural of the word “what.” Therefore, you should have typed “What’s” in its place. Proper grammar — learn it before you take a dig at anyone on the internet.

Secondly, what makes you think all Medicaid mothers are uneducated women who “constantly” get “knocked up” — is it because you assume that all poor people must be ignorant? Get out from under your rock. In the United States, we have been in one of the worst recessions in the history of our nation. Dual-career couples who once made $100k combined have been laid off due to budget crises. Those same people may have had children when it was considered “prudent” to do so, and those same people have a parental obligation to do what’s right to support their children. Those measures may include unemployment checks, food stamps, and Medicaid. Those people may feel undermined because they once could afford to pay their mortgage, family cell phone plans, and purchase take-out food once or twice a week. Now they are reduced to living as the poor do. Will you go knocking on their doors to inform them that they are uneducated? I certainly hope they’re having a good day when you do so because s/he may be very tempted to give you a dental readjustment. (Oh right, you don’t even know how to use an apostrophe. Let me break that down into smaller words that you might understand: He punch you in face!!!! [insert grunts here] Make more sense now, honey?)

In the future, I would like to hope that you will THINK before you speak/ type. I would also like to hope you’ll pick up an elementary-level English text book and learn how to insult people with proper grammar.

Love,
Meredith

P.S. You should really look up the comma, as well. You clearly don’t understand how to use that lovely little device either.

Comment on Bucking the Trend by elwood

elwood — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:07:16 +0000

Thank you so much Susan! I love it when my blog reaches such important people in the birth community! If you would like to be in touch regarding Worst to First, you can e-mail me at Danielle@ctworsttofirst.com Stacey is a brilliant woman, and a sweetheart!
I love all that The Big Push is doing!

Comment on Bucking the Trend by Susan Jenkins

Susan Jenkins — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:00:53 +0000

Great blog, Ms. Elwood! I’m one of the members of the Steering Committee of the Big Push for Midwives campaign. I would really like to keep in touch with you, so I am going to bookmark this blog and, occasionally, forward it to our Big Push yahoogroup or post it on our facebook page. I am so thrilled that you have taken up the “Worst to First” campaign and would like to share this information with the Big Push.
I’m friends with Stacey G. from New Jersey and was just delighted to learn that a similar campaign was being launched in Connecticut. Looks like you are doing a great job!
Good luck with these hospitals!
Susan

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Lindsey

Lindsey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:39:20 +0000

I’m a college-educated, well-read individual with private insurance who does “take care of [her]self”, and yet I was sectioned unnecessarily. So how will you pigeon-hole me, whats-it-to-you? It’s clear to me the author of this post is well-versed on the subject. If you find it offends you so, perhaps you should look harder at your own assumptions.

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by CarolinaMomma

CarolinaMomma — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:35:51 +0000

My only response is that you need to read my whole reply and that I never belittled anyone. Just the opposite of what you did and continue to do. I don’t think you want to get into a statistics tit-for-tat with me on birth.

The numbers listed above are cold hard facts and the information provided by the blogger is on the ball. When you can present a competent argument to counter the information provided I and other are happy to read and consider.

Be well

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Piper

Piper — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:33:56 +0000

*raising hand* Poly-cystic ovaries AND endometriosis who delivered vaginally. NOT a reason to be cut open. But many women, even well educated women, are “trained” that doctors always have the best intentions at hand. Unfortunately, that isn’t true and that’s when women are scarred physically AND emotionally. When they start wondering why? Was it necessary? When they get their records and see lies and falsified information, including that the laboring mother requested the cesarean, this causes major trauma. This is just like molestation. These women TRUSTED their OBs and their OBs lied to them. That has nothing to do with the education or income level of the mother. This has to do with doctors. So now, women are finding out that they have choices. Not every woman’s body is “broken” and these women are standing up and taking action. They are now questioning their care providers and being labeled as hard to deal with. Not so. We just aren’t following the herd! If the OBs would start giving GOOD and truthful information when asked the pros & cons of a cesarean, then that’s when we can step back and nod and say, “You can listen to that OB!”

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by elwood

elwood — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:24:42 +0000

I do not see anyone putting anyone down for their choices, or medically necessary cesarean sections. The only “put down” I saw was your comment about those who use medicaid for medical insurance.

Of course women should be able to make an informed choice in what they want for their medical care, but they should also know the risks that go along with that choice. No one said otherwise.
No one wants mothers or babies do die, but if you look at the death rates you can see a large difference.
Maternal mortality for vaginal delivery is 1 in 10,000. Maternal mortality for a cesarean section is 1 in 2,500. As someone who has had two cesarean sections, I would never elect to go through that, especially with the risks.

As for the doctors, they may be book educated, but with the defensive medicine being practiced today, how do you really know they are doing exactly what is best for you and your baby, and not what is best for their own butt?

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Mel

Mel — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:24:06 +0000

What’s it to you – I really think you need to rethink your attitude. There are many well educated men and women who are on medicaid/medicare. The actual qualifications for enrollment are like 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. So, if you are a family of 5, plus one on the way, you can make around $50,000 and still qualify.

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Whats It To You

Whats It To You — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:18:29 +0000

Well educated doctors have more education and experience then the mothers you claim that are butchering them. Ignorant people forget to look at the risks that are associated with birth, including death of the mother and fetus, just because these women think they can deliver vaginally, yet, due to lack of health care or other issues such as cysts, can not. Would you rather see a mother and baby die or get to the brink of death because of not wanting to have a c-section or would you rather see a health baby?

ALSO REMEMBER SOME WOMEN WILLINGLY CHOOSE TO GIVE BIRTH VIA A C-SECTION AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE PUT DOWN FOR THEIR CHOICE! Would you put down someone who had a vaginal delivery? It is a women’s choice and a women’s body………….

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by CarolinaMomma

CarolinaMomma — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:57:55 +0000

Whats it to you,

Actually it is the highly educated OB’s in this country that have caused the appallingly high rise of the cesarean section rate over the last 20 years. How is that you may ask; Well these highly educated doctors tell women not to worry about it, let me take care of it. You don’t need to know why, it’s not your responsibility, it is mine. If something goes wrong you will sue me so I need to make these really hard decisions. You don’t want to be responsible for the death of your baby, because you didn’t go to school for Obstetrics.

I am college educated and researched my rear off before the birth of my son and guess what I was cut open because they were ultimately tired of labor sitting me in the hospital. I was lied to and only found out after the fact. I ask questions now and get told it is not my job to know the statistics and that I really can’t rely on the research or studies that help to prove my point of view. Their are rules and policies in place to protect me from making the wrong decision, because I can’t possibly know what I want or what is best for me and my unborn child.

Truth is when a woman is in labor she is in the most vulnerable place/position of her life. Here she is trying to bring another human being into the world and all anyone/everyone in her room wants to do is tell her what to do instead of letting nature take its course. Doctors know that a women having been in labor for 20 hours or more is tired, hungry(b/c they wont let women in labor eat) and mentally drained they can just keep on pushing here and there to get what they want.

So before you go trashing someone who has actually educated themselves on Birth in America maybe, just maybe, you need to do some reading on your own and not be a socio-economic bigot assuming that the only women getting cut open against their will are, baby-daddy well-fare cases. All women regardless of race, religion or soci-economic status are being butchered.

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by elwood

elwood — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:11:35 +0000

You would actually be incorrect in your assumptions. I will explain. Cesarean section rates among the more “high risk” women, those being medicaid patients, smokers, teen parents, and those with less access to pre-natal care have lower cesarean rates. In addition, private insurance companies pay for 54% of annual cesarean sections, where as medicaid pays for less than 41%, so in that sense you are incorrect. The problem with medicaid also is these women, whether they are victims of the current economy, or irresponsible are only allowed to see certain providers who take medicaid, if the care was extended further to midwives, and alternative birthing options, there would be a huge drop in medicaid costs among pregnant women.

Comment on Fairfield County Maternity Care Failing by Whats It To You

Whats It To You — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:03:37 +0000

College educated persons know to speak to their providers and discuss all the options that are best for them, their bodies, their health and most importantly their babies. It is people who are on Medicaid and get constantly knocked up and people who are uneducated who cause the high c-section rates because they don’t take care of themselves. I hope you are getting paid for this garbage you are rambling on about.

Comment on Home Birth in Connecticut by Liz

Liz — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:22:51 +0000

Thank you for posting this! Nancy is my midwife for my HBAC (home birth after Cesarean) baby due 2/10. It is amazing how much BETTER her care is than it was in my previous OBs’ offices- the discussion of medical history, nutrition, emotional well-being, relationship issues has been much more thorough and leaves me feeling so supported.

Comment on Home Birth in Connecticut by Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:40:38 +0000

What a wonderful interview and overview of home birth! If/When I ever get pregnant again I will definately be looking into having a midwife come to my home!

Comment on Concerned about whats in childrens products? by elwood

elwood — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:11:01 +0000

It is amazing some of the things that they put into the products out children use, or the paints on their toys. I am sorry that anything happened to your daughter because of this!

Comment on Concerned about whats in childrens products? by ashley

ashley — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:07:08 +0000

thank you! this has been a HUGE concern for me ever since my 4 year old was lead poisoned when she was 1-2 yrs old i didn’t know a website like this exsisted!!!

Comment on It is not the product….. It’s the Parent! by Lindsey

Lindsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:58:15 +0000

I’m so disappointed in Consumer Reports! Well *of course* using a product wrong will have an adverse outcome! I could misuse this stapler to horrific effect. Or cause serious damage with these paper clips. It’s not the product that’s at fault; it’s the user. Actions have consequences. A little personal responsibility, please!

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by elwood

elwood — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:49:21 +0000

Hey Garlic Indian! Elwood = LittleDanielle Lou’s Daughter!

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by Dan Dalton aka Garlic Indian

Dan Dalton aka Garlic Indian — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:43:16 +0000

Thanks for sharing elwood and Grandpa Lou.. Sure wish I lived closer, would love to attend one of Lou’s BBQs… some day !!

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by skier26otc-Joe Mancuso

skier26otc-Joe Mancuso — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:38:54 +0000

Thanks guy’s it was a Blast.. Great Day, Great Bikes, Great People..thanks for all the pic’s

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by indian dave

indian dave — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:41:11 +0000

it looked like a nice time . glad to see that all of you had a good time . hay lou i miss you guys.

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by elwood

elwood — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:19:41 +0000

Thanks guys! Hope to see you soon!

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by Michelle & Barry

Michelle & Barry — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:12:25 +0000

BEAUTIFUL tribute, Danielle! Your babies are even more beautiful tho’

Comment on Beautiful Day for Indians by Linda & Tony

Linda & Tony — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:45:24 +0000

Very nice Tribute for the True American Legend, People forget even the youngsters today have no clue that the Indians Motorcycles paved the way for todays motorcycles/Harley’s {{cough,cough}}to name a few

Our nephew who just got into Motorcycle wasn’t aware that the Motorcycle we had was a Indian Chief….he always thought it was a Harley. Now he is in awe over the motorcycle and it’s History. He’s exact “Quote” was ” Now thats one hell of a Motorcycle”…”I saw this Motorcycle on The Terminator 2″…” Loved the Beauty of the Bike”.

Now he’s a die hard warrior of Indian Motorcycles…”Phuck Harley’s”…he’s exact Words

Little does he know, the bike is inherited to him when he comes of age.

Long Live the American Legend
Love the pic’s

Linda & Tony

Comment on Does TV Cause the Fear of Childbirth? by Lindsey

Lindsey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:33:57 +0000

I would love to find a midwife attending homebirth show! In an era of “extreme” everything, how could that kind of show not find an audience? I would totally set my DVR for that!

Comment on When Did It Change? by elwood

elwood — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:56:21 +0000

No, I believe that he has not been in office for a year even, so there is no real way to judge how he is doing. I am not one of the American’s who thought the country was going to be magically transformed over night. Realistically, then next at least 3 Presidents will be dealing with the mess our country is in right now. Place the blame where it started. Clinton, and then Bush.
As for comparing Bush to Obama, again, we will differ on opinions, like most Americans do. Either way, Bush was still our President, and now Obama is.
I fail to see what any of this has to do with my original posting though.

Comment on When Did It Change? by Sally

Sally — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:47:41 +0000

So you agree that the American people made a mistake when they elected a man who has no real experience. Yeah…I know obama is the president, even though he is sucking at the job. He sucks at it much more than bush ever did. He will no doubt go down in history as one of the worst presidents this nation ever elected.

Comment on When Did It Change? by elwood

elwood — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:57:47 +0000

And that is what I think is wrong with the country. My opinion again.
Just on a little side note, if you live in the United States, Barack Obama is your President, whether you “claim” him or not. Because you do not care for the President, it doesn’t mean that is not the office he holds.

Comment on When Did It Change? by Sally

Sally — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:38:35 +0000

Nope…I do not claim him as my president. Yeah…the bush years sucked…but obama is making 10 times worse. He is not my president, I will never claim him as my president and 2012 can not come fast enough, the American people are beginning to realize what a huge mistake they made, 2012 is when the REAL change will occur.

Comment on When Did It Change? by elwood

elwood — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:50:06 +0000

I believe you mean how good IS that. Fixed that for you.
As for not knowing much, that has nothing to do with having a personal opinion on something, which is only what I posted about. And Mrs. Ohio, he is your President also.

Comment on When Did It Change? by Sally

Sally — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:40:02 +0000

And why do the terrorist laugh? Because YOUR president has gone around the world and apologized to everyone. Obama has made it where no one fears the US anymore, way to go Obama. How good it that? Stick to what you know…which isn’t much.

Comment on The Business of Being Born by elwood

elwood — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:57:09 +0000

That is a great point Lindsey!

Comment on The Business of Being Born by Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:50:37 +0000

It’s not just recommended for mothers! I highly encourage fathers-to-be to give a look-see. And – why not? – show it to the future grandmothers, too. It’s sure to spark some interesting conversation and open a few eyes to the birth culture in our country.

Comment on Raising Money for a good cause! by Captain Steve Hoffmann

Captain Steve Hoffmann — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:19:15 +0000

It was an awesome presentation of our countries colors. The dedication of our volunteers goes above and beyond responding to fire alarms and calls for assistance. Its events like these that really show the dedication that an individual has to their neighbors and their country. Without members of society like this the foundation would crumble. Though I am a volunteer myself I thank all those who volunteer their time in a fire department or any organization that provides a positive contribution to society. These economic times we find it hard but those who are dedicated and care find the time because they care. Thank you again. Nice job on the article Danielle, the members appreciate it.

Captain Steve Hoffmann
Echo Hose H & L Co. 1
Shelton fire Department

Comment on Greetings & Salutations by Dr. Jason Jenkins

Dr. Jason Jenkins — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:16:15 +0000

Danielle, you are doing an wesome job with this blog. So much information for people to learn about and learn from your experiences. Keep up the great work!

Comment on Greetings & Salutations by Cindy lou Burgess

Cindy lou Burgess — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:02:52 +0000

Congrat’s Danielle. I too am looking forward to ths blog.

Comment on Greetings & Salutations by Kelli Stapleton

Kelli Stapleton — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:09:09 +0000

This blog looks like a lot of fun Danielle. I’ll be faithfully reading…

Comment on Greetings & Salutations by michele

michele — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:35:44 +0000

Nice to meet you Danielle! Can’t wait to start reading!